Markham Opens Next Phase of Rouge Valley Trail

On Saturday, Markham officially opened another section of the Rouge Valley Trail. The City has now completed Phase 1, Phase 2 and part of Phase 3 of the 4-Phase Rouge Valley Trail project.

Once complete, this trail will cover 15 kilometres from 16th Avenue and Kennedy Road to Bob Hunter Memorial Park, travelling through the Rouge River Valleys and the Milne Dam Conservation Park. Section 3A that was opened this weekend brings the progress of the project to more than half way, at 55 per cent completed.

The opening of the Rouge Valley Trail will bring many natural benefits to Markham residents, making their lives easier, healthier and more enjoyable. The Trail accommodates a variety of users and encourages residents to walk, run and cycle for fitness, recreation and transportation. It connects neighbourhoods to key destinations and provides safe crossing paths over rivers, valleys and highways.

The City's initiatives were based on Markham's Cycling Master Plan and Pathways and Trails Master Plan. Together, they established the vision and direction for an interconnected system of pathways and trails. The vision for this plan is supported by the York Region Pedestrian and Cycling Master Plan, as well as the York Region Greenlands Trails System Concept Study.

"I am very excited to see such progress as it means more Markham residents and visitors can appreciate and enjoy the Rouge's natural, cultural and heritage environment," said Mayor Frank Scarpitti. "I have to point out that building the trail would not have been possible without extensive public involvement, hours of hard work and consultation, and a tremendous desire to turn our master plans into reality."

Early in the project, the City established a Community Liaison Committee (CLC), which attracted more than 20 interest groups and local ratepayers' associations, plus the participation of Markham City Councillors, staff and the consulting team. 
“The Rouge Valley Trail is one of the best new projects Markham has introduced in the last several years," said Deputy Mayor Jack Heath. "It ties us to our natural environment. Residents can now access natural spaces in the city which they may never have seen. We hope this trail encourages more people to get outdoors and enjoy the beautiful landscapes so close to urban Markham.”

Creating a safe and sustainable community is one of Markham's four priorities in our Building Markham's Future Together 2015-2019 Strategic Plan. The Rouge Valley Trail is one of our highest priorities. This is why the City of Markham is providing $16 million in funding towards this project.

Locations of the project are as follows:

Phase 1 - Main Street Unionville/Carlton Road to Drakefield Road 
Phase 2 - Tuclor Lane to 14th Avenue 
Phase 3A - Along the west side of Toogood Pond

The City has already begun construction for the second part of Phase 3. It will connect Drakefield Road to Markham Road through the Milne Dam Conservation Park. Completion of this phase is expected in 2018. This section of the trail will include three pedestrian bridges, a boardwalk, limestone and asphalt trails and a unique suspension bridge that will span 143 metres.

Phase 4 will connect from east of Markham Road to Tuclor Lane, and from 14th Avenue to Tree Line Crescent. The final connection of the Rouge Valley Trail will run from 14th Avenue to Bob Hunter Memorial Park.

Photos:

Ward 7 Councillor Kanapathi, Mayor Scarpitti, Deputy Mayor Heath and Ward 4 Councillor Rea officially open Phase 3A of the Rouge Valley Trail.

Mayor Scarpitti, Members of Council and Markham residents celebrate the opening of Phase 3A of the Rouge Valley Trail project.

Click here to take a virtual tour of the Rouge Valley Trail!
 

Markham Mayor Frank Scarpitti: mayorscarpitti@markham.ca or 905.475.4872.

Media inquiries / interview requests: Corporate Communications & Community Engagement Department at media@markham.ca or 905.415.7548.